YONI STEAMING: What is it, why should I do it, and how do I do it safely?
If you’re attuned to the planets and have gone through some deep transformations over the past eclipse season (most of October), you may feel the need to energetically nurture your vessel.
For me personally, this eclipse has highlighted need to assert my boundaries with confidence, particularly in relationships. Boundary setting can be easier said than done, and it has been a challenge navigating this. I am proud of myself however for having the difficult conversations, and have come out the end of this time with clarity and with the gift of many lessons on letting go. There is no room in my life to play the victim and I am harnessing my power.
In the spirit of harnessing power and letting go and intregrating these lessons, I decided to do a yoni steam ritual and would love to share this ancient practice with you!
Lots of Love,
Maddie
WHAT IS A YONI STEAM?
First of all, the word ‘yoni’ is Sanskrit for vagina. In Hinduism, the yoni is the symbol of Shakti, the goddess of feminine generative power.
The practice of yoni steaming dates back centuries and has diverse roots in many cultures such as in traditional Korean, Mayan, and Africa rituals. In some communities, yoni steaming is considered a sacred ritual to honour the feminine and promote a sense of empowerment and connection to the body.
The ritual of yoni steaming involves sitting or squatting over a pot of steaming water infused with a blend of herbs. The steam from the herbal infusion penetrates the vaginal tissues, promoting cleansing, relaxation, and revitalisation. The healing properties vary depending on the herbs selected, as each carries a specific energetic benefit.
WHY WOULD I DO A YONI STEAM?
Although modern science is catching up in regards to the empirical benefits of a yoni steam, traditionally this ritual is performed to promote fertility, regulate menstrual cycles, and ease menstrual pain. Yoni steaming is also a beautiful practice when you are wanting to energetically release something in your life (e.g. after a break up) or when you would like to harness your sacral energy and release any conscious or unconscious blocks.
The World Health Organisation conducted ‘A multi-country study on gender, sexuality and vaginal practices: Implications for sexual health’ to explore the motivations behind yoni steams.
HOW TO SAFETLY DO A YONI STEAM?
1. INTENTION SETTING
First decide what you would like to gain from your yoni steam ritual and select the herbal blend that suits this.
Some intentions you could use are:
I want to invite more self-love into my life.
I would like to energetically cleanse and release.
I want to harness my sexual power and unblock my sacral chakra.
I want to promote relaxation and calm.
2. GATHER YOUR MATERIALS.
You will need a pot to steam the herbs on your stove top, a yoni steam stool (optional), a medium sized metal bowl to transfer the herbal infusion into, a large blanket or towel.
If you do not have a stool, you can squat carefully over the bowl. Yoni steam stools are essentially stools with a hole in the middle, so a standard stool would not work. They are worth the investment if this is a practice you want to commit to, however if it is your first time, kneeling over the bowl with suffice.
3. MAKING THE HERBAL INFUSION.
Boil 1L of water in your pot and add 1 heaped tablespoon of your herbal blend. Infuse for 10 minutes. Transfer the herbal infusion into the metal bowl and allow to cool for a few minutes. Be mindful to use oven mitts when moving/touching the metal bowl as it will be hot.
4. SET UP YOUR SACRED SPACE.
Place a towel or yoga mat on the ground and ensure it is comfortable enough for your knees to kneel for 10 minutes if you do not have a yoni steam stool. If using a stool, place metal bowl in a safe and stable position underneath the stool.
5. TEMPERATURE CHECK.
Before sitting or kneeling over the steam, test the temperature to ensure it is not too hot and won’t cause any discomfort or burns. Maintain a safe distance from the steam source to prevent any potential harm to the sensitive tissues in the vaginal area. We don’t want any burned pussies!
6. SET A DURATION.
If this is your first steam and you do not have a stool, we would recommend steaming for 10 minutes and kneeling over the bowl.
If you have done a steam before and have a yoni steam stool, steam for 20 to 30 minutes.
7. ENJOY YOUR SACRED TIME.
Ensure you are in a private space for your steam, put any distrafctions like your phone away. Without any underwear, kneel over the bowl or sit on your stool and allow the steam to penetrate your vaginal area whilst keeping a safe distance from the water. Wrap a large towel around you to ensure that the steam does not escape.
Focus on your breathing and mindfully notice what comes up for you during this relaxing time.
8. INTEGRATION.
After the session, allow yourself time to rest and relax. This will allow the body to absorb the beneficial effects of the steam. You may wish to journal, meditate, or do some gentle stretches.
Please be very, very careful not to burn your precious yoni during the yoni steam and practice mindful caution throughout the whole process. We do not recommend performing a yoni steam if you are pregnant. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any doubts or health conditions before doing the steam.